Winona of the Camp Fire

"Winona of the Camp Fire" by Margaret Widdemer is an early 20th-century story that follows a group of girls, spearheaded by the spirited Winona Merriam, who create a Camp Fire club devoted to fun, friendship, and growing as individuals. The story explores themes of sisterhood, seizing opportunities, and the happiness found in outdoor adventures as the girls set out to discover themselves and build something special together. Right from the start, the reader is introduced to Winnie Merriam and her friends hanging out together as they talk about starting a club. A casual conversation turns into a decision to become a Camp Fire Girls group when they find out about the organization through Helen's stepmother, Mrs. Bryan. As the story begins, the girls eagerly make plans for their club, learn about what it stands for, and hope for exciting adventures like camping. They talk about what needs to get done and how they can help each other out, preparing everyone for what's to come, the problems they'll face, and the way they'll get along with each other.